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Cortical reorganisation and tinnitus: principles of auditory discrimination training for tinnitus management

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Abstract

Scientific evidence has proved reorganisation processes in the auditory cortex after sensorineural hearing loss and overstimulation of certain tonotopic cortical areas, as we see in auditory conditioning techniques. Acoustic rehabilitation reduces the impact of these reorganisation changes. Recent theories explain tinnitus mechanisms as a negative consequence of neural plasticity in the central nervous system after a peripheral aggression. Auditory discrimination training (ADT) could partially reverse the wrong changes in tonotopic representation and improve tinnitus. We discuss different studies and their efficacy on tinnitus perception and annoyance. Indications, method, dose and sound strategy need to be implemented.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unidad de Otorrinolaringología, Fundación Hospital Alcorcón, C/Budapest, 1. Alcorcón, 28922, Madrid, Spain

    C. Herraiz, I. Diges & J. M. Aparicio

  2. Unidad de Acufenos, Hospital Quiron-Madrid, Madrid, Spain

    C. Herraiz

  3. Instituto de Acústica, CSIC, Madrid, Spain

    P. Cobo

Authors
  1. C. Herraiz
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  2. I. Diges
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  3. P. Cobo
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  4. J. M. Aparicio
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Correspondence to C. Herraiz.

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Herraiz, C., Diges, I., Cobo, P. et al. Cortical reorganisation and tinnitus: principles of auditory discrimination training for tinnitus management. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 266, 9–16 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-008-0757-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-008-0757-y

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